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WUHS board approves AP Seminar as required sophomore course over objections
Summary
The Waterford Union High School Board voted 4-1 to require AP Seminar for all sophomores for 2026-27, despite public comment and one board member's opposition; the administration outlined academic supports intended to help students succeed.
The Waterford Union High School Board of Education voted 4-1 on Dec. 15 to adopt multiple curriculum changes, including a requirement that all 10th-grade students take AP Seminar as their English credit beginning in 2026-27. The motion to approve the package was made by Doug Schwartz and seconded by Dennis Purtell; Kelly Datka opposed the measure.
Community members and staff urged caution during the public-comment period. Dawn Aron said students who are "in the gray area" with grades should not be funneled into a high-rigor AP course they may not be ready for. WUHS English teacher and parent Michael Omo described hearing students ask, "When can I drop?" and urged that students be allowed to choose the standard English 10 course in lieu of AP Seminar if appropriate. Principal Foster and the administration said multiple supports — a strategic realignment of staff duties, targeted help from a reading specialist and use of Lunch & Learn time — will be in place to help students meet the higher expectations.
The administration cited national and state adoption of AP Seminar at the grade-10 level and projected that the changes will improve Waterford's English growth metrics on the DPI State Report Card. The Board's approval makes the curriculum change official; the administration will implement the supporting staffing and intervention strategies described during the meeting. The Board's vote followed discussion about whether the course fits all students and how to provide adequate supports for those with social-emotional or academic challenges.
